How to find distressed properties for wholesaling

How to find distressed properties for wholesaling

The real estate business is the fastest-growing business in the world as it is an excellent source of long-term investment and has high-profit margins, which is why wholesalers try to purchase more and more properties at good locations to expand their business. However, finding distressed properties leads is not an easy task, yet it requires great experience and an effective strategy to find suitable properties and close deals. This guide will teach you everything you need regarding how to find distressed properties to buy in bulk, from finding the most important signs to using data tools and methods to find distressed property leads.

Table of Contents

What are distressed properties?

“The properties or homes that are available for foreclosure or are facing some legal pressure on them and are already on the tagged list for getting sold. Such properties are said to be distressed properties. Wholesalers target these properties and buy them from the motivated sellers for less than the market rate.”

Typically, the condition of these properties or the owner’s urgent necessity of selling it causes them to sell at a lower price than the market’s worth. A defaulted mortgage, tax liens, or essential repairs the owner cannot pay are all causes of distress.

In pursuing possible discounts, investors often look for foreclosed homes to renovate and resell for a profit. On the other hand, acquiring distressed homes may be hazardous because they may include complicated legal challenges, or hidden repair expenditures.

Why are distressed properties advantageous for wholesalers?

Distressed properties are an asset for wholesalers because they can profit most from them. People who want to sell their distressed property find themselves in the hassle and urgency of selling the land, eventually benefiting real estate wholesalers. These assets enable wholesalers to get contracts at substantially reduced prices, giving them a large profit margin when selling to end purchasers.

Due to the imperativeness of distressed property, wholesalers may close agreements quickly. Wholesalers have greater freedom in arranging agreements since distressed property owners are more open to inventive financing or unusual proposals. Many markets have a steady supply of distressed homes, giving wholesalers a constant stream of transactions to expand. Realtors may also use distressed homes to reduce homeowners’ problems, generate recommendations, and repeat business.

Why are distressed properties advantageous for wholesalers?

How does real estate wholesaling work?

The real estate wholesaling revolves around distressed property leads, he is always looking to find properties at low prices to save and get more profit. The wholesalers don’t actually solely find the leads rather, they contact the real estate marketing companies who can find suitable leads for them. Let’s understand how real estate wholesaling works:
  • Find distressed properties: Wholesalers look for cheap houses that sellers need to sell fast, usually because they have money problems or the house is in bad shape.
  • Make the property contract: Once the wholesaler finds the distressed property, they draft contracts to formalize the agreement with the seller. This arrangement is expressed formally via a purchase contract, allowing the wholesaler to transfer the contract to another customer.
  • Searching cash buyers: The property is then marketed to find cash buyers to purchase the land. Depending on his choice, the wholesaler can sell, rent out, or make other investments with the cash buyer.
  • Assign the Contract: Once a buyer has been located, the wholesaler will assign the purchase contract to them for a charge. The fee is the difference between the initial price agreed upon with the seller and the amount paid by the buyer.
  • Close the Deal: The buyer pays the seller directly for the property, and the wholesaler takes the assignment fee at closing.

When is the property declared to be distressed?

  • Pre-foreclosure: The lender has commenced foreclosure procedures, but the process has yet to be concluded.
  • Bankruptcy: The owner has submitted a bankruptcy petition, which may impact the status of the property.
  • Probate: When the property owner has died and doesn’t have beneficiaries or is unwilling to own the property.
  • Divorce: Divorced property owners must also sell their houses urgently to split the assets.
  • Abandonment: Properties that have been abandoned for some reason, such as the owner’s death, the owner’s residence in another country, or the house may need renovation.
  • Tax violation: The owner failed to pay property taxes, which might result in a tax lien or penalty.
  • Significant disrepair: The property needs extensive upgrades that the owner can not finance, rendering it uninhabitable or much below market value
When is the property declared to be distressed?

How can wholesalers find distressed properties?

There are several methods to find distressed property leads that wholesalers can use, such as:

  • Driving for profit
  • Auctions of real estate
  • Public records
  • Brokers and agents of real estate
  • Establishing connections with landlords and investors
  • Bandit Signs
  • Establishing connections with property managers and contractors
  • Software and data providers that specialize in wholesale distribution
  • PPC (Pay per click)
  • MLS (Multiple Listing Services)
  • SEO
  • Content marketing
  • List pulling
  • SMS marketing
  • Email marketing
  • Cold calling
  • Ringless voicemail

For more detailed information about these methods, check out our blog, “12 Ways to Find Real Estate Wholesaling Leads.

Advantages and disadvantages of using distressed properties:

Advantages

Disadvantages

Distressed properties present investors with a unique opportunity to purchase them at a discounted price, offering the potential for a favorable return on investment.

Properties in bad shape often need significant changes and renovation, which is costly and time-consuming.

Due to the more affordable purchase price, a greater return on investment (ROI) can be achieved when the property is flipped or rented.

Standard loans can be difficult for foreclosed homes in bad shape or with legal problems. Investors might need cash or loans for hard money.

The number of buyers showing interest in distressed properties has declined, resulting in less competition and a higher likelihood of finding a favorable deal.

Some foreclosed homes have title problems, such as liens, missing taxes, or other issues that must be fixed before buying. 

Investors can enhance a property’s value by making renovations, repairs, and improvements, which can greatly boost its market value.

The chance of making money depends on the market’s performance. A drop in the market could lower the value and make it less profitable to sell.

Those selling distressed properties are typically eager to make a quick sale, which allows investors to secure more favorable terms and prices through negotiation.

Property taxes, insurance, utilities, and care must be paid while the property is fixed up or until it sells.

Investing in distressed properties can be an excellent opportunity for new investors or wholesalers looking for a more affordable entry point.

Unexpected fixes or changes in the market can make it harder for troubled homes to make money, leading to unclear results.

Distressed properties present unique opportunities for exploring alternative financing options, including seller financing or subject-to-arrangements.

Finding, analyzing, buying, and fixing up foreclosed homes can take a long time and a lot of work.

Challenges faced in finding distressed properties

  • Legal restrictions: Some distressed properties have major legal issues that are difficult and time-consuming.
  • Sensitive circumstances: Some people who want to sell distressed property may face extreme emotional situations and immediately need to find a wholesaler.
  • Financial challenges: Traditional lenders may not be willing to finance distressed houses, which would restrict the alternatives available to purchasers.
  • Timing: It might be challenging to acquire homes before they go through the official foreclosure process or become available on public listings.
Challenges faced in finding distressed properties

Marketing tactics to reach distressed homeowners

  • SMS marketing: The question was “How to find distressed properties for wholesaling,” but now the question has evolved to “How soon can the property be sold?” It’s all because text message marketing has revolutionized real estate marketing. SMS marketing is easy, simple, and effective, with high data-driven rates and providing optimal lead generation. Wholesalers use third-party marketing services such as RESMS to manage their CRM and quickly find distressed sellers.
  • Cold calling: For cold calling campaigns, you should use databases of property owners in a risky situation, such as those facing foreclosure or tax liens. Provide answers to their issues and emphasize the advantages of making a rapid sale.
  • Email marketing: A way to use technology to build connections, sell services, and get people to take action by sending personalized messages to a list of users. It starts with getting people’s email addresses through sign-ups or other means, and then it’s time to create interesting material that fits their interests and hobbies.

Conclusion

Real estate wholesalers who want to optimize their profit margins must know how to find distressed properties. Wholesalers may rapidly find distressed properties with potential by using successful techniques, including driving for money, examining public records, and utilizing data tools like PPC, SMS marketing, and cold calling.

Legal complexities and market swings are two examples of obstacles that must be anticipated and planned for. Mastering the art of finding distressed properties through careful planning and investigation can lead to profitable investments and substantial company development.

FAQs

1. Why are foreclosed homes a good option for wholesalers?

Acquiring distressed properties can be a great opportunity to catch them at much lower prices, allowing wholesalers to resell them and make a profit. In addition, they offer the option to negotiate and finance deals flexibly and offer various ways to structure agreements.

2. What are the risks of buying distressed properties?

The risks include possible legal problems, secret fix costs, problems getting the money, and hard-to-predict market conditions. To lower these risks, it’s important to do your research carefully.

3. Which marketing methods generate distressed property leads?

SMS marketing, Cold calling, email marketing, PPC advertising, and SEO are all effective marketing strategies. These techniques help promptly and effectively reach homeowners in trouble.
Zeeshan Shakeel Bio Picture

Zeeshan S.

Real Estate Lead Generation Expert with over 5 years of experience, specializing in providing comprehensive services to wholesalers, investors, and realtors across the U.S. Zeeshan leverages multiple marketing channels to deliver impactful results, drawing on his deep expertise in crafting content tailored for diverse platforms. When not immersed in marketing, he is actively exploring more about AI and automation, continually seeking ways to innovate and enhance his marketing strategies.